OFFICIAL ANTHEM
The Cheon Bu Gyeong and the DanGun Anthem
One Light, One Humanity
Official Anthem of Dangun Sovereign Neutral State
One Light, One Humanity
Bringing Heaven, Earth, and Humanity into harmony for the benefit of the world
The Cheon Bu Gyeong is a Korean philosophical scripture composed of only 81 Chinese characters. Within its concise structure, it presents profound reflections on the origin and movement of the universe, the relationship between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, and the responsibility of human beings within the greater order of existence.
The scripture teaches that all existence originates from One. The One unfolds into Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, yet its fundamental essence is never diminished or lost. Although life appears in countless forms, all beings remain connected within one source.
DanGun seeks to bring this spirit into the present age.
Our purpose is not merely to celebrate the greatness of the past. Our mission is to apply the principles of harmony, human dignity, responsibility, and service found in the Cheon Bu Gyeong to the challenges of the modern world.
We seek to move beyond division and conflict and to help build a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world in which all people may live with dignity.
The Spirit of the Cheon Bu Gyeong
The Cheon Bu Gyeong begins with the words
一始無始一
Il Si Mu Si Il
The One begins without a beginning
This is understood as an expression of an eternal origin that exists beyond a single point in time. The source of the universe does not simply appear and disappear. It remains present through every beginning, ending, transformation, and return.
From the One emerge the Three Powers:
- Heaven represents light, spirit, principle, and higher purpose.
- Earth represents life, nature, matter, and physical existence.
- Humanity represents the conscious bridge that brings Heaven and Earth into harmony.
Heaven, Earth, and Humanity are not entirely separate worlds. Each contains something of the others. Heaven is reflected in Earth and Humanity; Earth carries the influence of Heaven and Humanity; and every human being carries both the light of Heaven and the substance of Earth.
Humanity is therefore not called to dominate nature or separate itself from creation. Human beings carry the responsibility to understand higher principles, protect life on Earth, and create harmony among all forms of existence.
Our Spiritual Heritage
In Korean tradition, Dangun is remembered not merely as a political ruler or conqueror, but as a symbolic founder who brought heavenly principles into the human world and established order for the benefit of the community.
This spirit is expressed through the ideal:
Hongik Ingan 弘益人間
To broadly benefit humanity and the world
Hongik Ingan does not mean benefiting only one people, nation, or group. It expresses a universal responsibility to create conditions in which human beings, communities, and all life may prosper together.
The history that DanGun seeks to inherit is not a history of bloodline, superiority, or domination. It is the history of an enduring aspiration: to protect human dignity, live in harmony with nature, and use wisdom and responsibility for the benefit of society.
There are different historical and academic views regarding the origin and transmission of the Cheon Bu Gyeong. DanGun does not seek to impose one interpretation of history. We place our emphasis on the philosophical values conveyed through the text: unity, harmony, respect for humanity, and service to the common good.
Humanity at the Center of Heaven and Earth
The Cheon Bu Gyeong describes the original human mind as radiant like the sun:
本心本太陽
Bon Sim Bon Tae Yang
The original heart is the Great Sun
This passage expresses the belief that human beings possess an inherent capacity for light, goodness, wisdom, and transformation.
Human dignity is not determined by nationality, ethnicity, religion, wealth, status, or power. The light of the same origin exists within every person.
To respect a human being is therefore to respect the order of Heaven and Earth. To violate the dignity of one person is to disturb the harmony of the whole. To help one person rise is to restore light to the world.
DanGun envisions a society in which every person is respected, has the opportunity to develop their abilities, and is empowered to contribute meaningfully to the community.
The Root Remains Through Every Change
The Cheon Bu Gyeong teaches:
用變不動本
Yong Byeon Bu Dong Bon
Forms and functions change, but the root remains unmoved
Civilizations, institutions, technologies, and ways of life continually change. Yet the fundamental principles of human dignity, justice, responsibility, peace, and mutual benefit must not be abandoned.
DanGun does not believe that preserving tradition means repeating the past without change. True continuity means discovering new methods for a new age while remaining faithful to the original purpose.
We seek to connect ancient wisdom with modern science, technology, education, culture, and economic development to create a future in which humanity and nature can advance together.
